I was asked yesterday the difference between Typhoons, Hurricanes, Cyclones and Tornadoes.

In Japan, strong storms are called “Thypoons” whereas in Australia we call them “Cyclones”.

I just did a search on Google and found the answer in Yahoo Answers.

These terms can be confusing because of how they are used. Technically, a cyclone (lower case) is ANY rotating low pressure system (rotating counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere, or clockwise in the southern hemisphere). Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones (note upper case) are the same thing but are termed by where they exist. The tropical cyclone is called a hurricane (if sustained winds are at least 65 knots) over the Atlantic basin and the eastern Pacific Ocean, while over the western Pacific it is called a Typhoon. The same type of system is called a Cyclone over the Indian Ocean area.

A tornado is another type of cyclone that is born in thunderstorms. In some cases, tropical cyclones can produce many tornadoes if conditions are right.

台風に注意してください!! This week, southern Japan has been faced with the oncoming Typhoon ‘Neoguri’.

Many people in Okinawa were affected by high-speed winds and blackouts in the early stages when the typhoon started it’s journey from the south. Reportedly, around 90,000 are still without electricity in Okinawa.

Now the typhoon is moving north towards Kyushu and mainland Honshu where the land is getting hit with powerful winds and severe rain.

It is predicted to move up here to Fukushima tomorrow, Friday July 11. We expect heavy rain and strong wind so please take care. It’s a good idea to stay indoors out of the danger’s way.

Are you studying for an English test? Maybe TOEIC or EIKEN? Those seems to be the most popular tests for Japanese students of English.

Here are some tips for passing your test.

Study, Ask, Practice, Prepare, Perform

Study – General study of the overall content comes first. You might already be taking English conversation classes or studying by yourself with a text book or audio course. Study needs to be a daily activity so you can steadily improve. There are specific books to help you study and prepare for TOIEC and EIKEN tests. Look in your local book store for a book to help you study.

Ask – When you have a question about the content in your text book or about the test coming up, it’s best to ask someone who knows. You can ask your teacher in person or read official websites on the internet for more information.

Practice – Whenever you can, practice your test with a real person (your teacher) or use a Practice test book. The more you practice, the better you’ll perform on the big day of your test.

Prepare – In the days leading up to the test, prepare everything you need for the test. This includes making sure you know how to get to the testing facility on time. You should also review all the content that will appear on the test.

Perform – Take the test with confidence. Have a positive mindset that you will score great on the test. If you’ve studied and prepared for the test, you will have more confidence naturally. Concentrate on your test questions and let your mind deliver the answer. If you’ve studied well, the answers will all be in your sub-conscious mind. Keep an eye on the time too. Most test takers worry and fret about being able to complete the test on time. You may have to hurry to answer all the questions so be ready for that.

I get a burst of fresh energy when spring comes. I think everyone does. The green trees and grass is a very welcome sight. In Japan we’re lucky to be able to enjoy the colorful trees when they blossom in March and April.

When I first came to Japan, I thought that all the colorful pink trees were Cherry trees. But I have learnt that these beautiful blossoms appear on several different kinds of fruit trees. There are apple, plum, apricot, cherry, and possibly some other trees I’m not yet aware of.

What are your favorite things to do in spring? Do you go to view the cherry blossoms and other trees in the park? In Fukushima, there are a couple of popular flower viewing places I know of. Hanamiyama is probably the most popular, but equally as crowded.

I hope you enjoy Spring. It is my second favorite season. Summer is my #1 favorite. I love being hot and wearing just shorts and a t-shirt.

How have you been coping with the snow? Did you have to shovel the snow around your house and work place?

Did you suffer a lot of inconveniences like closed roads or slow moving traffic?

The heavy snow in Fukushima and Touhoku area is not one of my favorite things about the place. It causes a lot of trouble for almost everyone, especially those who live in the more rural areas where they might not remove the snow from the roads with the snow plow.

The only really good thing about snow is that is makes for good snowboarding and skiing!

Take care on the roads driving and don’t injure yourself shoveling snow. It can be heavy so it can be easy to hurt your back. Also, watch out for falling snow off roofs! I know every year a number of people die or get injured from falling snow from roofs.